XAVIER vs LONG BEACH STATE

[MADXSTER]

15331534

Xavier University Musketeers (1-0)
W Northern Arizona 93-60

vs. Long Beach State 49ers (0-1)
L BYU 95-90

Tues., Nov. 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Cintas
Television: FOX Sports 1.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM (http://www.iheart.com/live/700WLW-1713/?autoplay=true&pname=1209&campid=play_bar&cid=main.html)

GameTracker (http://www.goxavier.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mbaskbl.html?event=1365899&school=xavi&sport=mbaskbl&camefrom=&startschool=&)

Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is a 10.5 point favorite. Would not touch, but if I did I'd probably lean LBSU.

[bobbiemcgee]

15331534

Xavier University Musketeers (1-0)
W Northern Arizona 93-60

vs. Long Beach State 49ers (0-1)
L BYU 95-90

Tues., Nov. 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Cintas
Television: FOX Sports 1.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM

Actually they're 1-1 with a win over San Francisco State 74-64 Sat. nite.

[X-band '01]

SF State is not Division I, though. It was bizarre to have that game scheduled at home the day after losing to BYU.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Are X's games ever on SiriusXM?

I think I've seen that listed as an outlet in the past.

Cheers!

[paulxu]

This game is on my TeeVee!
(and I won't be able to catch anything except maybe the last 10 minutes)
Assume you jackwads have this one well covered, and in the bag.

[coasterville95]

Advisory: Listermann's posted that due to the extreme cold, the food truck they had arranged cancelled out on them. So no food over there tonightl

[Kahns Krazy]

Can't wait to see the boys live for the first time for me this year. StubHub is a wonderful thing.

[GuyFawkes38]

This game could get interesting. LBS is a young team, so it's hard to learn much from last year. But Michael Caffey looks solid player. Scored 26 points against BYU, including 4-5 from 3. Freshman Deontae North also looks impressive, with 16 points vs BYU. Their 2nd best player, Tyler Lamb, is suspended for the first part of the season for unknown reasons.

These are the types of games that worry me. There's a lot of basketball talent in southern California, which leave LBS in a good position to pick up overlooked players.

[drudy23]

Xavier is a 10.5 point favorite. Would not touch, but if I did I'd probably lean LBSU.

We win by at least 17 points....probably more.

[sgarcia]

This game could get interesting. LBS is a young team, so it's hard to learn much from last year. But Michael Caffey looks solid player. Scored 26 points against BYU, including 4-5 from 3. Freshman Deontae North also looks impressive, with 16 points vs BYU. Their 2nd best player, Tyler Lamb, is suspended for the first part of the season for unknown reasons.

These are the types of games that worry me. There's a lot of basketball talent in southern California, which leave LBS in a good position to pick up overlooked players.

I'm pretty sure Tyler Lamb was only suspended 2 games so I would expect him to play tonight.

[BlueGuy]

Can't wait to see the boys live for the first time for me this year. StubHub is a wonderful thing.

I got burned pretty bad, twice, with StubHub. Never accept print at home tickets. Both times I was burned, it was with print at home tickets. Reds opening day, and a sold out concert in Ottowa, ON. Both times, our tickets had already been scanned when we arrived, and were not allowed to go into the events. StubHub gave me my money back a few weeks later... Ended up scalping tix 3x the price I paid on stubhub for the events, so we could get in. I'll never use that site again.

[coasterville95]

I thought you had season tickets, Kahns.

Have not used StubHub myself but have heard of coworkers getting burned on it. Also print at home tickets. In their case 3 people appeared to have the same tickets.

[NY44]

I got burned pretty bad, twice, with StubHub. Never accept print at home tickets. Both times I was burned, it was with print at home tickets. Reds opening day, and a sold out concert in Ottowa, ON. Both times, our tickets had already been scanned when we arrived, and were not allowed to go into the events. StubHub gave me my money back a few weeks later... Ended up scalping tix 3x the price I paid on stubhub for the events, so we could get in. I'll never use that site again.

That sucks. I've had the opposite experience. I once bought tickets and they turned out to be fake. Stubhub called me and gave me much better tickets for no extra charge.

[GoMuskies]

I've bought and sold quite a few times with Stubhub. Never a problem. The issues discussed in this thread aren't Stubhub issues, though. It's the fraudsters on the other end of the transaction. All Stubhub can really do is refund you the money. It's impossible for them the verify every ticket for sale on their site (unless you want their fees to be even higher than they already are).

[coasterville95]

So, Stub Hub essentially just promises to refund the price (and then try to collect from the selleer), or absorb it out of the high fees?

Then do services that 'guarantee' authentic tickets, like Vivid Seats have some connection to the TicketMaster database, and can thus have the seller enter the barcode numbers, verify them,, then turn around cancel tham out and issue the buyer new tikcets with new barcodes. That would be the ideal way of doing resale market, but it would rely on the master vendor (Ticket Master or E Venue or whatever) to cooperate. (And I beleive TicketMaster has thir own resale platform, so why would they want to accomodate third parties) (Think about it, though if that ideal were possible, the buyer and seller never have to share payment details or contact/shipping details directly with each other, and you don't have to have a lingering worry about the validity of the paper you are holding)


I recall on opening day a few years ago, though, there was an outift making phoney hard tickets, that looked so good, even the Reds were confused at first as to why they were not working.

[xu82]

We got seats to a Braves game once that didn't exist. They got us into the stadium, but there were no such seats. Everyone was very confused, and they gave us some great seats instead.

I don't want my ticket money back from StubHud after paying for plane tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars. I've used them before to ensure good seats if I'm going to travel to an event. Hate to gamble on being able to get good scalped seats. Sounds like I'm gambling either way...

[D-West & PO-Z]

I use StubHub several times a year every year and have never had a problem. I would be pissed if I traveled somewhere and they turned out to be fake and then couldnt go and lost my travel expenses. I bought Super Bowl tickets on StubHub when the Giants were in Indy but you dont print those at home, you pick them up on the day of the game at a huge StubHub tent. It would seem they are probably more diligent with huge events like the Super Bowl though.

[chico]

I'm pretty sure Tyler Lamb was only suspended 2 games so I would expect him to play tonight.

This is correct. He is playing tonight.

[GuyFawkes38]

I'm pretty sure Tyler Lamb was only suspended 2 games so I would expect him to play tonight.


Ah, ok. They have a nice, experienced backcourt.

[XUOHTX]

Are X's games ever on SiriusXM?

I think I've seen that listed as an outlet in the past.

Cheers!

Yes, I have found them on there before. I think it was just on one of the random "sports" channels.

[xu82]

XUOHTX - your sig line reminded me of a lady I met who had a tattoo on the back of her neck that said "I put the fun in dysfunctional". You're probably better off with your version (but I think she was telling the truth).

[Jesuit4Life]

700WLW and 55KRC are both on iHeartRadio.

[LA Muskie]

I buy and sell on Stubhub all the time. I've never had a problem. But there is an inherent risk in "print-at-home" tickets -- the bar code is unique and can only be used once, but theoretically the seller can sell several copies of that same barcode on other, unrelated platforms. There's only so much Stubhub can do about that -- it's both a pro and con of a fully digital marketplace. But my understanding is that they are pretty unrelenting with sellers. They may give you one "mistake" -- the "I had it listed on two sites and didn't take the other down fast enough" excuse is the most common -- but more than that and they will usually terminate seller privileges. Stubhub has a lot (as in its entire business model) riding on buyers' confidence in the legitimacy of tickets purchased on their platform.

[PMI]

I use StubHub several times a year every year and have never had a problem. I would be pissed if I traveled somewhere and they turned out to be fake and then couldnt go and lost my travel expenses. I bought Super Bowl tickets on StubHub when the Giants were in Indy but you dont print those at home, you pick them up on the day of the game at a huge StubHub tent. It would seem they are probably more diligent with huge events like the Super Bowl though.

Not that I'll ever get to enjoy seeing my team in the Super Bowl in my lifetime, but if I got there and found out my tickets were fake, the absolute best scenario would result in me doing some jail time.

[sirthought]

Nice to see so many guys involved on the floor. Somewhat of a change after two years of Semaj.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

This Long Beach team is hot to-night, but our offence is so good that we still leads by 13 at the half. So many X players can score. Long Beach has to cool down in the 2nd half. After sitting out for most of the 1st half due to fouls, Reynolds should be ready to do some major scoring.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

BREAKING NEWS: The BREAKING NEWS thing sucks.

[BMoreX]

Shooting 71% and they're down 13.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

"Bring it down young fella!"

[coasterville95]

They need to start considering eating the clock.

[BMoreX]

When this team shoots, watch out.

The key will be D.

[bobbiemcgee]

Bluiett- 20 Macura- 17 M. Davis- 15 Abell- 13 Stainbrook- 11

[spursy]

We knew the defense would be a work in progress but this team has been even better than expected offensively. Bluiett is such a stud and macura plays so confidently. Randolph making nice passes and Stainbrook picking up right where he left off. Can't wait to see this team with Sumner on the court and a smarter Austin out there. While Abell scored double figures his shots were the only frustrating thing this evening. Great game overall!

[xu82]

Bluiett- 20 Macura- 17 M. Davis- 15 Abell- 13 Stainbrook- 11

So we only had 50 points from 3 of the new guys? Hmmm, this might be good at some point. (Like NOW.) We will have rough patches later, but remember how encouraging this is.

[X-Fan]

Very excited about what I saw from Bluiett, JP, and Myles. All three look like they could be stars at many points this year.

Dee & Matt were solid.

Strange game from Reynolds. Seemed like he was out of synch all game.

Like what Abell brings to the floor, but his shot is crazy looking.

You can tell the guys are still working on their roles and finding a rhythm.

Good win. Looking forward to continued improvement.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/talking-points/2014/nov/18/vegas-play-day-long-beach-state-xavier/

[paulxu]

I see why that guy is last among the group.

[X Factor]

LBSU has really, really good guard play. Caffey and Lamb are tough. They were knocking down a high percentage of shots, even when I thought X was playing pretty good defense.

Blueitt is a flat out stud. He can put in on floor and drive, finishing with either hand. He can shoot it from deep and mid-range. He will rebound and find the open man. Super excited about him, that's for sure.

JP is so confident. Again, he might not be the pure shooter that Redford was, but he can do a lot on the offensive end. Love his size and ability to pump, drive and shoot that short jumper.

Dee was very solid tonight. He had a tough task on the defensive end trying to keep up with Caffey. He finished with 9 assists and only 2 turnovers.

Myles is playing very well too. He can heat up fast kind of like Vinnie Johnson.

Matt is a rock inside for this team. This was a hard game for our bigs due to LBSU playing zone for most of the game.

Remy had a solid game, but he kind of settled for the 3 point shot a lot tonight. He is really good at slashing and getting to the rim and I would like for him to keep doing that.

I'm really looking forward to Edmond Sumner getting healthy and on the court. He will give Mack even more options in the back court.

I think it's easy to see this team has more shooters than Xavier has had in a long time, probably since '08 with Drew, Brown, BJ, Duncan, and Stan.

Tonight, we attempted over 30 three pointers and knocked down over 40% of them. I doubt they will shoot that many too many times this year, but teams will find it very difficult to throw a zone at this Xavier team this year.

Free throw shooting is another positive. Blueitt, Stain, JP, Myles, etc. are all very good free throw shooters.

There will be some rough patches this season, but so far there are a lot of encouraging signs that this team could be really good if they keep working hard.

[bobbiemcgee]

Fun Team to watch. JP - wow - always looks like he's having a blast out there. Tre - definitely loves the game and it shows. Dee 9 assists, just what he's supposed to do. Defense? Definitely a work in progress. Up by 13 when other team is shooting 71%? Priceless.

[BMoreX]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/talking-points/2014/nov/18/vegas-play-day-long-beach-state-xavier/

Which one of you is ktdowd214?

[bjf123]

Agree that teams won't be able to throw a zone at us with much success based on the number of shooters we can put on the floor at one time. In a lot of prior years, our opponents only had to worry about one guy to shoot the three.

Of course, the highlight of the evening was me and the Mrs. making the Kiss Cam.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

Good win but need defense. X misses from outside, it is a closer game. Thank goodness we have shooters. If TB stays 4 years, he might break Byron Larkin's record for scoring.
He would have to average a lot!

[xu82]

Of course, the highlight of the evening was me and the Mrs. making the Kiss Cam.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good thing it was the Mrs.

[JTG]

Bluiett- 20 Macura- 17 M. Davis- 15 Abell- 13 Stainbrook- 11

Semaj who ?

[xu82]

Semaj who ?

Semaj Thunder I think. There's a thread about that. Lot's of fresh bodies and no cramps tonight.
(Loved the guy and wish him well, but the cramps were odd.)

[X Factor]

Good win but need defense. X misses from outside, it is a closer game. Thank goodness we have shooters. If TB stays 4 years, he might break Byron Larkin's record for scoring.
He would have to average a lot!

This post doesn't make a whole lot of sense. First you say we need defense. Then if X misses from outside, it is a closer game (duh!). Then you say thank goodness we have shooters.

That's the point, this team HAS shooters in spades. Are they all going to be hitting every night? No, but we haven't had this many shooters in a long time.

I thought Caffey and Lamb for LBSU made some tough shots and were hot themselves. LBSU has really, really good guards.

The defense will get better. At least our offense so far has looked really good. Last year, this game probably would've been a lot closer since we were not a really good shooting team, and attempted very few 3 pointers.

[Nigel Tufnel]

We win by at least 17 points....probably more.

Thanks again, buddy. Won another $20 based on your confidence. Love my Dana's boy Macura....dude is fearless. Just wish offense operated more inside out. And that the defense wasn't so bad...

[drudy23]

Good win but need defense. X misses from outside, it is a closer game. Thank goodness we have shooters. If TB stays 4 years, he might break Byron Larkin's record for scoring.
He would have to average a lot!

He won't...too many weapons for him to average that high of a scoring average needed.

[STL_XUfan]

Positives: 1.Bluiett is quickly establishing himself into Xavier lore
2. holy offense Batman.
3. 24 assists to 7 turnovers!

Negatives: It was way to easy to penetrate and score on us. Sure LBSU is a good senior laden team with great guard play, but 81% at one point in the second half is absurd from the field. And it wasn't because the shots were lucky, they were solid looks given up by our D.

[drudy23]

Thanks again, buddy. Won another $20 based on your confidence. Love my Dana's boy Macura....dude is fearless. Just wish offense operated more inside out. And that the defense wasn't so bad...

The key is me making the predictions when I have no money involved. I'm really good then.

Once I throw my own money in, never seems to work that way.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I had no idea Macura would be so solid.

Bluiett was awesome and did so much more than score.

Nice to see Myles have a good start to the season.

Holy crap we are deep. The rotation always shortens some as the season gets going but the depth on this team looks unbelievable.

I love Xavier basketball. (Especially when my football team sucks.)

[boozehound]

This team is fun to watch!

Offense looked great, and it is nice to have shooters all over the floor at all times.

I thought the defense looked OK as well. LBSU made a lot of tough shots and/or contested shots. There were definitely lapses, but not as many as I would have expected with the amount of play we are getting from freshmen. To my eyes the D definitely didn't look as bad as the score would indicate.

[mid major]

And when we get Sumner it's going to be a blast.

[Xu Red Dogg]

Long Beach did put up 90 on BYU at BYU WITHOUT Tyler Lamb. The fact that we held them to 74 could be pegged as an accomplishment based on early returns. We shall see...

[fellahmuskie]

A few thoughts...

Very disappointed by the guy who didn't recognize Josh Duncan during one of the timeout contests.

Who are the rabble-rousers seated about 4 rows above me and my wife in section 201? If you're that fired up for Long Beach, can't wait to see what y'all are like in conference.

Only 2 games into being a season ticket holder and only been in town for 3 weeks and I run into a guy I met this summer when my wife and I were visiting Cincinnati. It's great to feel like part of a community even in a 10,000 seat arena.

As for the game, what a show. Somebody told me during the season opener that Macura's the next Redford. I honestly didn't know much about Macura coming into the season, but he is definitely not Redford. So aggressive - he's a huge reason teams will have nightmares defending Xavier this season. You can shut down Stainbrook and Bluiett and Dee, but then you've got Macura slashing from the wing or hitting the 3 if you give him space. It makes me giddy. I know we won't score 90+ every night, but it's such a huge difference from the last 4-5 years. Like someone else said, we haven't had a team with this many shooters since the Elite 8 team in 2008.

[bleedXblue]

I love the options we have and everyone seems to want to share to ball and find the open man. Jalen had two fouls within 10 seconds and that cost him from getting some good minutes last night. Austin Jr. played sparingly. That was a little bit of a surprise.......but Randolph continues to be solid.....

Cant wait to see Sumner and what dimension he can add.

Seriously....I know we're only 2 games in, but this team looks to be at least 9-10 guys deep before there's any kind of drop off.

[bleedXblue]

A few thoughts...

Very disappointed by the guy who didn't recognize Josh Duncan during one of the timeout contests.

Who are the rabble-rousers seated about 4 rows above me and my wife in section 201? If you're that fired up for Long Beach, can't wait to see what y'all are like in conference.

Only 2 games into being a season ticket holder and only been in town for 3 weeks and I run into a guy I met this summer when my wife and I were visiting Cincinnati. It's great to feel like part of a community even in a 10,000 seat arena.

As for the game, what a show. Somebody told me during the season opener that Macura's the next Redford. I honestly didn't know much about Macura coming into the season, but he is definitely not Redford. So aggressive - he's a huge reason teams will have nightmares defending Xavier this season. You can shut down Stainbrook and Bluiett and Dee, but then you've got Macura slashing from the wing or hitting the 3 if you give him space. It makes me giddy. I know we won't score 90+ every night, but it's such a huge difference from the last 4-5 years. Like someone else said, we haven't had a team with this many shooters since the Elite 8 team in 2008.

Pretty sure you're talking about me, XURunner85, Cheesehead and Surf.

[Cheesehead]

Who are the rabble-rousers seated about 4 rows above me and my wife in section 201? If you're that fired up for Long Beach, can't wait to see what y'all are like in conference.



Pretty sure you're talking about me, XURunner85, Cheesehead and Surf.

Ditto. That has to be us. We take Xavier basketball very seriously and enjoy the games!

[fellahmuskie]

Who are the rabble-rousers seated about 4 rows above me and my wife in section 201? If you're that fired up for Long Beach, can't wait to see what y'all are like in conference.




Ditto. That has to be us. We take Xavier basketball very seriously and enjoy the games!

That's great. I told my wife it had to be Xavier Hoops guys, I just wasn't sure who. I'll introduce myself at the game on Friday. It's nice having some people who are really into the game close by our seats.

[nasdadjr]

With this many freshman and sophomores you should just expect a lackluster D to start the season. As they play games the D will come. My love of this team comes from my favorite stat of just 7 turnovers. With a team this young against the guards beach has to only have 7 to is amazing. I do think we crack top 25 at some point this season

[NY44]

My only question from the game is about the lineups. They were always on the small side, which is probably due to LBS's lack of height (they only have 1 big man who's 6'9). Jalen only played 10 minutes with 4 quick fouls for an impressive foul rate of 1 every 2:30. At a couple of points we only had Farr or Stainbrook in with Bluiett and 3 guards. I was just surprised we didn't give the big guys more work against a smaller team, especially O'Mara.

You can't argue with results though, it was a great showing, overall.

[ammtd34]

My only question from the game is about the lineups. They were always on the small side, which is probably due to LBS's lack of height (they only have 1 big man who's 6'9). Jalen only played 10 minutes with 4 quick fouls for an impressive foul rate of 1 every 2:30. At a couple of points we only had Farr or Stainbrook in with Bluiett and 3 guards. I was just surprised we didn't give the big guys more work against a smaller team, especially O'Mara.

You can't argue with results though, it was a great showing, overall.

Bluiett can guard the 4. There aren't many 4s that can guard him. I think that's the reason for those lineups. The flexibility we seem to have is crazy.

[bleedXblue]

That's great. I told my wife it had to be Xavier Hoops guys, I just wasn't sure who. I'll introduce myself at the game on Friday. It's nice having some people who are really into the game close by our seats.

Please do and we are always accepting of gifts (the cold 16 oz kind).

[fellahmuskie]

Please do and we are always accepting of gifts (the cold 16 oz kind).

I was hoping the gift-giving might work the other way around, but either way I imagine we will all be enjoying the new offerings on tap a few feet away on the concourse.

[GoMuskies]

As for the game, what a show. Somebody told me during the season opener that Macura's the next Redford. I honestly didn't know much about Macura coming into the season, but he is definitely not Redford.

He's white and can shoot. After that, the similarities end.

[GoMuskies]

I love it when Remy drives. I love it less when he shoots jumpers. They may go in at a decent clip, but as a fan watching at home he's got the kind of shot that you don't ever really expect to see go in when it leaves his hands. I feel much better with Macura, Myles Davis, Bluiett and, to some extent, Farr shooting.

[sgarcia]

The team looked great last night. It was first chance to see us play this year and I was very impressed. The "stand and watch" offense that we've seen for years is gone. The assist/to ratio last night for the team was amazing and honestly something I never thought I would see. Crisp, quick passing led to so many open shots. I was really impressed by that. It looks like Bluiett and Macura are the real deal. They are both excellent shooters who can slash to the hoop and have great court awareness. Dee was real solid offensively last night. I don't think he struggled on defense he just doesn't have the height to contest some of the shots Caffey was putting up. Remy's shot looks funky but as long as it goes in that's all that matters. Stain was Stain doing his thing inside. I don't know how he continues to score. We all know he's not going right yet still manages to put up points. Hopefully Austin Jr and O'mara get a few more minutes in the next couple of games. I'd like to see what they can do. I think O'Mara will be needed this year when 2 big men get into foul trouble. I think minutes for Austin Jr. will be very tough to come by this year with Dee, Randolph and Remy all able to handle the point. I am very pleased with how the season has started. These guys look like they will all be pushing each other for playing time which should only help in their development. Coach Mack and crew have a nice looking squad this year. The hardest part might be finding which guys mesh together the best. It's a good problem to have. Happy days are here again.

[BandAid]

Dee played a very good game last night. After NAU I thought pg could be a problem for this team, especially if Dee tried to do too much. Last night is the type of night I hope to see. I can only think of one time that he drove into the trees haphazardly, and he ran the offense against the zone very well.

Speaking of the zone, it's awesome that LBSU played it so much last night. It was a good early season test that will only make the team better later. There where a few minutes there where our second string in particular struggled moving the ball through it, and then Myles took over.

[Xavier]

He's white and can shoot. After that, the similarities end.

Yep. Macura is so much better. I even think he could be a better in game shooter than Brad.

[muskienick]

Dee played a very good game last night. After NAU I thought pg could be a problem for this team, especially if Dee tried to do too much. Last night is the type of night I hope to see. I can only think of one time that he drove into the trees haphazardly, and he ran the offense against the zone very well.

Speaking of the zone, it's awesome that LBSU played it so much last night. It was a good early season test that will only make the team better later. There where a few minutes there where our second string in particular struggled moving the ball through it, and then Myles took over.

And assuming Edmond Sumner is able to play on a consistent basis, the point could turn into a real strength.

[XU 87]

Dee had back to back turnovers in the second half and then put up a bad three. I started to bitch about his poor play and then noticed he had 9 assists at that point. So I shut up.

[Xtemporaneous]

The Long Beach game is on FS1 RIGHT NOW.

[xu82]

Yep. Macura is so much better. I even think he could be a better in game shooter than Brad.

Being taller and having a legitimate threat with the drive should work to his advantage. Love Brad, but you pretty much knew what he was up to.

[xu82]

The Long Beach game is on FS1 RIGHT NOW.

I bet we don't get one hundred!

[Muskie1000]

That's great. I told my wife it had to be Xavier Hoops guys, I just wasn't sure who. I'll introduce myself at the game on Friday. It's nice having some people who are really into the game close by our seats.

I will also verify that they are pumped up each and every game. I used to sit a few rows behind them, now I'm a few rows ahead of them. What row are you in?

[gladdenguy]

Dee had back to back turnovers in the second half and then put up a bad three. I started to bitch about his poor play and then noticed he had 9 assists at that point. So I shut up.

I am very quick to bitch about Dee Davis. He has a lot to prove this year (not as a defender). No excuses for him. He has plenty of weapons. I would prefer he doesn't shoot unless he has a wide open three or uncontested layup..........otherwise never put a shot up in the paint.

[bobbiemcgee]

My only question from the game is about the lineups. They were always on the small side, which is probably due to LBS's lack of height (they only have 1 big man who's 6'9). Jalen only played 10 minutes with 4 quick fouls for an impressive foul rate of 1 every 2:30. At a couple of points we only had Farr or Stainbrook in with Bluiett and 3 guards. I was just surprised we didn't give the big guys more work against a smaller team, especially O'Mara.

You can't argue with results though, it was a great showing, overall.

Actually saw this as a Positive thru my blue colored glasses. The way these guys have shot early on, would love to see 4 guards (Sumner?) out there just to see what happens. Bigs get in trouble, go small and burn them with a bunch of shooters. Haven't had that option for a long time.
To quote another board member, "Giggity".

[Xville]

I know it is early but thru two games, if there was one word to describe this team it would be, Refreshing. After what seems like a few years, we are watching a Xavier basketball team having fun again. I can't tell you how good that feels. I am not sure if it is because the last couple of years the talent just wasn't there, or if there were still a couple of "bad apples" left on the team, but man what a difference all these newcomers have made. It is so refreshing to see some ball movement and an actual offense, rather than 1 guy dribbling around while the other four stand like statues and look at him. Not that I didn't like watching Xavier basketball the past couple of years, but this is the type of Xavier team that is a whole lot easier to root for.

[fellahmuskie]

I will also verify that they are pumped up each and every game. I used to sit a few rows behind them, now I'm a few rows ahead of them. What row are you in?

We're in F, seats 9 and 10.

[GIMMFD]

I was hoping the gift-giving might work the other way around, but either way I imagine we will all be enjoying the new offerings on tap a few feet away on the concourse.

You should donate to us college kids that can't afford a $7 beer.

[xu82]

You should donate to us college kids that can't afford a $7 beer.

Looks like I might be there Friday and I'd love to be part of the gift exchange. Sorry, you'll have trouble finding me as even I don't know where I'll be sitting yet. (The earlier "StubHub is fallible" comments are a slight concern.)

[paulxu]

I will also verify that they are pumped up each and every game. I used to sit a few rows behind them, now I'm a few rows ahead of them. What row are you in?

You would have been safer staying behind them.

Also, what's with all the Dee haters (reasonable concern/criticism) going on here. I thought I had that market cornered?

[Muskie1000]

We're in F, seats 9 and 10.

We are almost in front of you. Row G, seats 4-7

[Muskie1000]

Try again. We are almost behind you

[fellahmuskie]

You should donate to us college kids that can't afford a $7 beer.

Ha ha, as soon as I can afford my own beers at a game on a regular basis, I'll be sure to help you out. There's a reason I'm up in the cheap seats :))

[fellahmuskie]

Try again. We are almost behind you

Nice, I'll look for you on Friday.

[GIMMFD]

Looks like I might be there Friday and I'd love to be part of the gift exchange. Sorry, you'll have trouble finding me as even I don't know where I'll be sitting yet. (The earlier "StubHub is fallible" comments are a slight concern.)

Haha well if you find out I would love to meet someone off the board! Always good to have connection with alumni ;)

[xu82]

Haha well if you find out I would love to meet someone off the board! Always good to have connection with alumni ;)

Trip is now confirmed. Cincy pal got the tix. In section 103 I think. This alum not much good to you, but you've got the right idea. Free beer and maybe a great life? Hell yeah! My wife actually recently guided an X grad who just moved to Atlanta and got a job. She's magic. I go to games and have a beer.

[IM4X]

Being taller and having a legitimate threat with the drive should work to his advantage. Love Brad, but you pretty much knew what he was up to.

Bingo. Being taller not only means having less of his shots blocked than Brad but it means guarding against the 3 better too. One thing the team struggled with the past few years was guarding against the 3, partly because most of our guards were on the short side. With the way Macura uses his length , I could see him being very disruptive to good shooters and getting a block (like he did in this game) in just about every game.

[IM4X]

So many things looked good with the team in the game, but one thing that stood out to me as a bit of a concern was the way the bigs (not named Stain) struggled down low on offense. Both Farr and Reynolds were held in check by smaller players. I realize Reynolds got into foul trouble earlier and that may have played into it for him but wow, I was really hoping to see more out of them. Farr even missed a few easy putbacks. What happens when they go up against bigger bigs?

Now they may very well play much better under the basket as the season moves along, but it is one of the few things that stuck out to me as a potential issue should the team go cold in a game from outside and should Stain (God forbid) be out with another injury at some point.

[Cheesehead]

So many things looked good with the team in the game, but one thing that stood out to me as a bit of a concern was the way the bigs (not named Stain) struggled down low on offense. Both Farr and Reynolds were held in check by smaller players. I realize Reynolds got into foul trouble earlier and that may have played into it for him but wow, I was really hoping to see more out of them. Farr even missed a few easy putbacks. What happens when they go up against bigger bigs?

Now they may very well play much better under the basket as the season moves along, but it is one of the few things that stuck out to me as a potential issue should the team go cold in a game from outside and should Stain (God forbid) be out with another injury at some point.

It's a one game sample. I am not worried about Reynolds and Farr is more of 3/4. They both had nice drive/hook shots in that game. Foul trouble will keep a guy from getting into the flow of things offensively.

[XUFan09]

Farr is a 4/5, not a 3/4. But yeah, one game sample.

[boozehound]

So many things looked good with the team in the game, but one thing that stood out to me as a bit of a concern was the way the bigs (not named Stain) struggled down low on offense. Both Farr and Reynolds were held in check by smaller players. I realize Reynolds got into foul trouble earlier and that may have played into it for him but wow, I was really hoping to see more out of them. Farr even missed a few easy putbacks. What happens when they go up against bigger bigs?

Now they may very well play much better under the basket as the season moves along, but it is one of the few things that stuck out to me as a potential issue should the team go cold in a game from outside and should Stain (God forbid) be out with another injury at some point.

The good news is we have a lot of guys who can shoot/score the ball, so the odds of all of them being off in a given game are reduced. Also the shooting and ball movement should open up the post to let those guys work. I think we'll be fine.

[SemajParlor]

I see a little Carmelo in Blueitt's game. Kid can score.

[paulxu]

I hope that's the only part of Carmelo's game he duplicates.

[SemajParlor]

I hope that's the only part of Carmelo's game he duplicates.

I think Melo is the most underappreciated talent in professional sports--- but that's for the NBA thread. Anyways, if Blueitt can do a small fraction of what he did freshman year, sign me up!

[PMI]

Bingo. Being taller not only means having less of his shots blocked than Brad but it means guarding against the 3 better too. One thing the team struggled with the past few years was guarding against the 3, partly because most of our guards were on the short side. With the way Macura uses his length , I could see him being very disruptive to good shooters and getting a block (like he did in this game) in just about every game.

I loved that play. Macura got badly beat and lost on the screen and his man easily got free (he will lose his man a lot this year) but recovering for the block was fun to see. Macura plays with so much confidence. Kid looks like his balls just dropped and he's already putting up big scoring numbers in college. Love it. The defense will be a big time work in progress though.

And can we please stop the Redford comparisons? There is literally nothing to compare other than that they have good shots (like half the team) and that they are white guys with blonde hair. Redford could probably beat him (and just about anyone) in a game of horse, but that's about the extent to which he's better at basketball than JP. JP is going to have an awesome four year career at Xavier. I love Brad but JP is on a whole different level.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think Melo is the most underappreciated talent in professional sports--- but that's for the NBA thread. Anyways, if Blueitt can do a small fraction of what he did freshman year, sign me up!

Amen.

People hating on Carmelo has just become one of those things that people do because other people do and they thing thy are supposed to but they really arent quite clear what they are talking about.

[drudy23]

Farr is a 4/5, not a 3/4. But yeah, one game sample.

He thinks he's a 2/4

[PMI]

Amen.

People hating on Carmelo has just become one of those things that people do because other people do and they thing thy are supposed to but they really arent quite clear what they are talking about.

Eh, if you're a superstar in the NBA, fair or not, you're judged based on winning in the postseason. Carmelo still hasn't done that (hell, he isn't even winning in the regular season anymore-- in the East, no less.) He's an excellent player and one of the best offensive talents I've ever seen, but I think it's fair to question whether his style is conducive to winning in the postseason. I don't think he's as one-dimensional as his harsh critics argue, but he's not a good defensive player and his isolation act can often deflate the overall offense just as quickly as it can carry it. But he also isn't exactly teamed up with a bunch of HOFers like Bron Bron needs to be to get his rings. I think there are fair criticisms of Melo's game and there are also unfair criticisms of his game, and I'm sure he can deal with those criticisms while laughing all the way to the bank. To me, my biggest peeve about him is that he claims New York as where he's from as a baller, which is bogus. He moved to Baltimore as a little kid before he even learned how to play ball. He's a Maryland baller, period!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Eh, if you're a superstar in the NBA, fair or not, you're judged based on winning in the postseason. Carmelo still hasn't done that (hell, he isn't even winning in the regular season anymore-- in the East, no less.) He's an excellent player and one of the best offensive talents I've ever seen, but I think it's fair to question whether his style is conducive to winning in the postseason. I don't think he's as one-dimensional as his harsh critics argue, but he's not a good defensive player and his isolation act can often deflate the overall offense just as quickly as it can carry it. But he also isn't exactly teamed up with a bunch of HOFers like Bron Bron needs to be to get his rings. I think there are fair criticisms of Melo's game and there are also unfair criticisms of his game, and I'm sure he can deal with those criticisms while laughing all the way to the bank. To me, my biggest peeve about him is that he claims New York as where he's from as a baller, which is bogus. He moved to Baltimore as a little kid before he even learned how to play ball. He's a Maryland baller, period!

No I agree with you, Melo definitely deserves some criticism for his play and he doesnt make those around him significantly better like some players can do (although you are right he hasnt had the talent around him like LeBron did in Miami.). But for a poster to be worried about Trevon Bluiett being like Carmelo is laughable.

[PMI]

No I agree with you, Melo definitely deserves some criticism for his play and he doesnt make those around him significantly better like some players can do (although you are right he hasnt had the talent around him like LeBron did in Miami.). But for a poster to be worried about Trevon Bluiett being like Carmelo is laughable.

Haha, obviously. If the biggest problem we have with Bluiett is him being unstoppable in March and leading us to a National Championship too early in his career, I'll forgive him.

[XUFan09]

He thinks he's a 2/4

In what way? Because he shoots te 3?

[SemajParlor]

Amen.

People hating on Carmelo has just become one of those things that people do because other people do and they thing thy are supposed to but they really arent quite clear what they are talking about.

I've watched just about every Knicks game the last 4 years (I know, brutal.)

It is really is amazing how ESPN forces narratives down the casual and/or fans of those who don't watch him play every night. It's kind of strange how people latch on to ignorant beliefs on players without much to back it up.

[ammtd34]

I know Sagarin's NBA player ratings have never been very kind to Carmelo, but I ultimately don't care. If Bluiett is good enough to be a widely debated superstar, I'll be fine with that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I've watched just about every Knicks game the last 4 years (I know, brutal.)

It is really is amazing how ESPN forces narratives down the casual and/or fans of those who don't watch him play every night. It's kind of strange how people latch on to ignorant beliefs on players without much to back it up.

Brutal indeed. My three brothers and I are all huge Knicks fans. My youngest brother is 14 and he had an instagram page (with over 2,000 followers) soley dedicated to the knicks. I found it hysterical he did that and so many people followed.

[SemajParlor]

Eh, if you're a superstar in the NBA, fair or not, you're judged based on winning in the postseason. Carmelo still hasn't done that (hell, he isn't even winning in the regular season anymore-- in the East, no less.) He's an excellent player and one of the best offensive talents I've ever seen, but I think it's fair to question whether his style is conducive to winning in the postseason. I don't think he's as one-dimensional as his harsh critics argue, but he's not a good defensive player and his isolation act can often deflate the overall offense just as quickly as it can carry it. But he also isn't exactly teamed up with a bunch of HOFers like Bron Bron needs to be to get his rings. I think there are fair criticisms of Melo's game and there are also unfair criticisms of his game, and I'm sure he can deal with those criticisms while laughing all the way to the bank. To me, my biggest peeve about him is that he claims New York as where he's from as a baller, which is bogus. He moved to Baltimore as a little kid before he even learned how to play ball. He's a Maryland baller, period!

This has great points- fair analysis.

Melo's best player he ever played with was an over the hill Chauncey Billups (he took the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals). Can't think of another successful player in NBA history with the supporting cast he's had.

PS Gotta love the Warner Brothers logo- West Baltimore tat he rocks though.

[LA Muskie]

Carmelo is obviously insanely talented. As a pure scorer, and in his prime, there may have been no better. (Probably not, in fact.) But he has two major flaws: (i) he cares about $$$ more than wins; and (ii) he doesn't make other players on his team better. People like a winner. And people particularly like a winner who shares the wealth (literally and figuratively).

[LA Muskie]

This has great points- fair analysis.

Melo's best player he ever played with was an over the hill Chauncey Billups (he took the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals). Can't think of another successful player in NBA history with the supporting cast he's had.

PS Gotta love the Warner Brothers logo- West Baltimore tat he rocks though.

Neither Carmelo's contract nor his play has been particularly conducive to surrounding him with talent. Well, that and the debacle that Isaiah Thomas left in his wake...

[D-West & PO-Z]

Carmelo is obviously insanely talented. As a pure scorer, and in his prime, there may have been no better. (Probably not, in fact.) But he has two major flaws: (i) he cares about $$$ more than wins; and (ii) he doesn't make other players on his team better. People like a winner. And people particularly like a winner who shares the wealth (literally and figuratively).

I dont necessarily agree that he cares more about $$$ than winning. Thats just soemthing people made up when he decided to stay with the Knicks as opposed to going to the Bulls. There are an abundance of reasons that could have been why he stayed with the Knicks (no one knows besides him the biggest reasons).

The Bulls were no sure thing to be some championship team if Melo went there. Derrick Rose is like an 80 year old man (already having issues again), his wife an family are entrenched in NY, its his boyhood home (I know he was mostly raised in Baltimore), and did money play a factor, of course it did. But to just plainly state he cares more about money than winning is just a made up opinion.

Edit: He actually took less money than the max and while it wasnt a whole lot less it did and will give the Knicks cap room that should help that they would not have had.

Also the NBA structure that is set up that makes players look selfish for taking the most money they can and not care about winning is so ridiculous. What other sports does that happen in where players are repeatedly called selfish for taking big contracts? I guess it is because there is such a thing as a "max" contract where there really isnt in NFL or baseball so it makes it look like the guys should take less if they care about winning.

[RealDeal]

I thought the freshmen looked good.

[LA Muskie]

I dont necessarily agree that he cares more about $$$ than winning. Thats just soemthing people made up when he decided to stay with the Knicks as opposed to going to the Bulls. There are an abundance of reasons that could have been why he stayed with the Knicks (no one knows besides him the biggest reasons).

The Bulls were no sure thing to be some championship team if Melo went there. Derrick Rose is like an 80 year old man (already having issues again), his wife an family are entrenched in NY, its his boyhood home (I know he was mostly raised in Baltimore), and did money play a factor, of course it did. But to just plainly state he cares more about money than winning is just a made up opinion.
If it was that decision in a vacuum, I could see your point. But his decision to go to the Knicks in the first place was just as suspect. And he pretty much refused a pay cut (which is his right, but if he really cared to establish a winning legacy it was the wrong decision to make).

Is it an opinion? Of course it is. But it's based on some verifiable facts.

[paulxu]

For some reason lately, criticism (constructive/valid/or just opinion) now = hater.
Doesn't even matter what the subject is.

Just don't get that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If it was that decision in a vacuum, I could see your point. But his decision to go to the Knicks in the first place was just as suspect. And he pretty much refused a pay cut (which is his right, but if he really cared to establish a winning legacy it was the wrong decision to make).

Is it an opinion? Of course it is. But it's based on some verifiable facts.

Here is the second part of my post that I had not edited yet:

Edit: He actually took less money than the max and while it wasnt a whole lot less it did and will give the Knicks cap room that should help that they would not have had.

Also the NBA structure that is set up that makes players look selfish for taking the most money they can and not care about winning is so ridiculous. What other sports does that happen in where players are repeatedly called selfish for taking big contracts? I guess it is because there is such a thing as a "max" contract where there really isnt in NFL or baseball so it makes it look like the guys should take less if they care about winning.

You basing you opinion off of other things that are opinions of yours. There is no fact involved.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If it was that decision in a vacuum, I could see your point. But his decision to go to the Knicks in the first place was just as suspect. And he pretty much refused a pay cut (which is his right, but if he really cared to establish a winning legacy it was the wrong decision to make).

Is it an opinion? Of course it is. But it's based on some verifiable facts.

This is absolutely untrue if Melo can win in New York. Most knew this season would be a bust. The knicks have too much money tied up in terrible/average players. It just all happens to get blamed on Melo.

I owuld love to be the GM of whatever team Melo is on because no matter how much I screwed up the team with bad deals it wouldnt be my fault, it would be Melo's because he cant make Andrea Bargnani and Samuel Dalambert, Quincy Acy, Cole Aldrich, Shane Larkin, JR Smith, Amare Stoudemire, Pablo Prigioni, and Travis Wear chamiponship caliber players.

What a horrible roster. Seriously.

[D-West & PO-Z]

For some reason lately, criticism (constructive/valid/or just opinion) now = hater.
Doesn't even matter what the subject is.

Just don't get that.

You said nothing except that you hoped Bluiett didnt take after a player who as a freshman single handedly led his team to a National Championship and is one of the best scorers in the NBA.

That I dont get.

PMI had some actual criticism that made a whole lot of sense about Carmelo Anthony.

[LA Muskie]

Edit: He actually took less money than the max and while it wasnt a whole lot less it did and will give the Knicks cap room that should help that they would not have had.

Yes, he did. But like you said, not enough.


Also the NBA structure that is set up that makes players look selfish for taking the most money they can and not care about winning is so ridiculous. What other sports does that happen in where players are repeatedly called selfish for taking big contracts? I guess it is because there is such a thing as a "max" contract where there really isnt in NFL or baseball so it makes it look like the guys should take less if they care about winning.
That's just not true at all. Players in other leagues make financial sacrifices all the time to provide their teams with financial flexibility. It's common in the NFL, the NHL, and MLB. Heck, Giancarlo Stanton's revolutionary contract is so backloaded it's laughable. (It also seems idiotic to me, in both directions, given the Marlins' management history.)

The only difference is that the NBA has a "max contract" so it's more concrete. You can quantify exactly what an NBA player left on the table. Not so with the other leagues.

[LA Muskie]

This is absolutely untrue if Melo can win in New York. Most knew this season would be a bust. The knicks have too much money tied up in terrible/average players. It just all happens to get blamed on Melo.
If he sticks with the Knicks, Melo will not win a championship in his career. He won't. (Yes, that's an opinion.) And he will probably go down as the best player (at least best scorer) to never do so. Is that entirely on him? No. But a good deal of it is on him. Players aren't clamoring to play for him, and he has never made it EASY on his team to bring in other stars. You can call that an opinion if you want, but the truth is in the pudding.


I would love to be the GM of whatever team Melo is on because no matter how much I screwed up the team with bad deals it wouldnt be my fault, it would be Melo's because he cant make Andrea Bargnani and Samuel Dalambert, Quincy Acy, Cole Aldrich, Shane Larkin, JR Smith, Amare Stoudemire, Pablo Prigioni, and Travis Wear chamiponship caliber players.
I don't disagree. The Knicks are a shit show, and have been for a while. Like I said in my initial post (which you ignore), Isaiah Thomas made a mess of the team. Both the roster and their salary cap situation. That can't be discounted, I agree. But you also can't disregard out of hand the role that a superstar plays in making a team a contender. There are things that Carmelo could have done -- in NY and in Denver -- to help his team be the best it could be. He didn't choose to make that a priority in either place.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes, he did. But like you said, not enough.


That's just not true at all. Players in other leagues make financial sacrifices all the time to provide their teams with financial flexibility. It's common in the NFL, the NHL, and MLB. Heck, Giancarlo Stanton's revolutionary contract is so backloaded it's laughable. (It also seems idiotic to me, in both directions, given the Marlins' management history.)

The only difference is that the NBA has a "max contract" so it's more concrete. You can quantify exactly what an NBA player left on the table. Not so with the other leagues.

That only difference is exactly my point. You dont know how much other players have left on the table, its not concrete for everyone to see. If there was no max contract in the NBA no one could ever say that Melo was too selfish because he could probably make even more money and if he couldnt we wouldnt know.

What is Peyton Manning's worth to the Broncos? Could he make more? Probably, could he take less than what he does make so they could sign even more quality players and try and get that SB win? Probably. But no one would ever call Peyton Manning selfish for making what he makes because there is no limit to what he is allowed to make. LeBron could be called selfish for taking a max deal when in all reality there should be no limit to what he can make because he is the best player in the NBA and instantly makes his team a contender.

Players in other leagues take less money but we never know how much less. There is no comparison to the NBA and how its star players are viewed when they take the most money they can get.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If he sticks with the Knicks, Melo will not win a championship in his career. He won't. (Yes, that's an opinion.) And he will probably go down as the best player (at least best scorer) to never do so. Is that entirely on him? No. But a good deal of it is on him. Players aren't clamoring to play for him, and he has never made it EASY on his team to bring in other stars. You can call that an opinion if you want, but the truth is in the pudding.


I don't disagree. The Knicks are a shit show, and have been for a while. Like I said in my initial post (which you ignore), Isaiah Thomas made a mess of the team. Both the roster and their salary cap situation. That can't be discounted, I agree. But you also can't disregard out of hand the role that a superstar plays in making a team a contender. There are things that Carmelo could have done -- in NY and in Denver -- to help his team be the best it could be. He didn't choose to make that a priority in either place.

I guess I ignored the Isiah Thomas ting because we are way past him at this point, the current deals and situation really has nothing to do with him. Onc 2010 rolled around the slate was clean and the Knicks messed up again when they struck out on LeBron. James Dolan is a horrific owner, maybe the worst in all of sports.

[paulxu]

You said nothing except that you hoped Bluiett didnt take after a player who as a freshman single handedly led his team to a National Championship and is one of the best scorers in the NBA.

That I dont get.

PMI had some actual criticism that made a whole lot of sense about Carmelo Anthony.

That's fair enough, but wasn't really my point. For some reason lately, opinions, whether bolstered by long lists of facts or not, suddenly mark someone as a hater. That's crazy. This is a message board. We should be able to do either.

For the record, without going into a lot of research, my "opinion" of Carmelo is that despite being an incredible scorer, he doesn't seem to maximize the opportunity for his team to win through assists the way a Lebron does (as an example). His defensive effort is also not something I would want to see Blueitt emulate. But again, that's just an opinion from watching, without doing massive research. Maybe I'm missing something (a lot?) and he's actually a very good defender and also improves the team's chances with lots of assists and I just don't pick up on it.

[LadyMuskie]

That's fair enough, but wasn't really my point. For some reason lately, opinions, whether bolstered by long lists of facts or not, suddenly mark someone as a hater. That's crazy. This is a message board. We should be able to do either.

.

That's way too logical for a message board.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's fair enough, but wasn't really my point. For some reason lately, opinions, whether bolstered by long lists of facts or not, suddenly mark someone as a hater. That's crazy. This is a message board. We should be able to do either.

For the record, without going into a lot of research, my "opinion" of Carmelo is that despite being an incredible scorer, he doesn't seem to maximize the opportunity for his team to win through assists the way a Lebron does (as an example). His defensive effort is also not something I would want to see Blueitt emulate. But again, that's just an opinion from watching, without doing massive research. Maybe I'm missing something (a lot?) and he's actually a very good defender and also improves the team's chances with lots of assists and I just don't pick up on it.

No you are correct, his defense is not good. And no he doesnt distribute like Lebron does either.

One of the most unfortunate things about Carmelo Anthony is that he was drafted the same year as LeBron James and as such id constantly compared to LeBron and things LeBron can do. Not too many guys are going to come out looking too great when compared to how they do things compared to LeBron.

[X-Fan]

I thought the freshmen looked good.

Agreed. Can't wait to see if Sumner can make an impact this year. I hope ball movement continues throughout the season. I recall X having great ball movement at the start of last season (and against UC) but then it lessened as the season wore on. Early in the year we thought James and Myles were going to be Huge contributors all season, which obviously was not the case. I'm optimistic the increased talent level will ensure the same regression/diminishing does not happen for all, but it's almost a guarantee it will occur for some (likely a frosh or two).

[waggy]

Opponent D gets better. There is more film..

[LA Muskie]

Agreed. Can't wait to see if Sumner can make an impact this year.
I, too, am very excited about Sumner. But I think we are far more likely to see Sumner redshirt than we are to see him make an "impact" this year. He's just too far behind and has way too much ground to cover. Especially after seeing the talent and depth we already have, I can't imagine wasting a year of eligibility on someone with so much potential. At this point he'd have to be 4th-to-6th off the bench, and it would be difficult for him to climb much higher than our 9th man at this point.

[MADXSTER]

I hope ball movement continues throughout the season. I recall X having great ball movement at the start of last season (and against UC) but then it lessened as the season wore on.

You are correct. As the outside shooting faded, Myles/Farr/Dee, the more Semaj had to individually take over games.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Agreed. Can't wait to see if Sumner can make an impact this year. I hope ball movement continues throughout the season. I recall X having great ball movement at the start of last season (and against UC) but then it lessened as the season wore on. Early in the year we thought James and Myles were going to be Huge contributors all season, which obviously was not the case. I'm optimistic the increased talent level will ensure the same regression/diminishing does not happen for all, but it's almost a guarantee it will occur for some (likely a frosh or two).


Opponent D gets better. There is more film..


I, too, am very excited about Sumner. But I think we are far more likely to see Sumner redshirt than we are to see him make an "impact" this year. He's just too far behind and has way too much ground to cover. Especially after seeing the talent and depth we already have, I can't imagine wasting a year of eligibility on someone with so much potential. At this point he'd have to be 4th-to-6th off the bench, and it would be difficult for him to climb much higher than our 9th man at this point.


You are correct. As the outside shooting faded, Myles/Farr/Dee, the more Semaj had to individually take over games.

Ummmmm.......helllloooo???? I thought this was the MELO thread!!!???? :sign-wtf:

:) :) :)

[PMI]

Carmelo does really make for an interesting debate. I tend to think the truth lies somewhere in between. I don't think it's necessarily fair to claim Carmelo cares about getting paid any more than most any other player. Depending on how you value him (intangibly and as a winner), you can certainly say he's worth his market value, and the team you're on often values you more than any other team out there. I don't really blame him for signing the contract, although I can see where you might look at the situation he signed up for and question his motives. But then again, perhaps he actually believed he was able to have an MVP type of impact in New York and that his teammates were good enough. I'm not sure. I do know that he's a ridiculous offensive talent that would make any team better on that end. I have no doubt that he'd be an incredible offensive player in any system, and with anyone around him. If he were in a situation where he had a couple All-Star teammates, like his fellow 2003 draft class buddies, I have no doubt he could be a part of a championship team. The problem is, he has exited in the first round routinely. Even if that's not all on him (it's not), the perception that questions him as a winner is fair.

To me, he's the Alex Ovechkin of the NBA, even though the sports are not completely comparable. Ovie has multiple MVPs, scoring titles, every personal accolade and he'll go down as one of the greatest offensive players ever when it's all said and done. But he's never been out of the second round of the playoffs, and that's how he's judged by his critics. Is it fair to put it all on him? Hell no, and his playoff numbers are pretty strong. But that's how some people are going to measure the player. The aura around that player come playoff time always comes with more attention and pressure, which leads to a lot of tense buzz and anxiety amongst fans in big markets, and maybe that even starts to weigh on the player mentally.

With Carmelo, I think it's fair to question whether he is winner and I think it's very debatable. Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it couldn't happen (I at least need this to be true for Ovie.) Great players don't win alone, even in the NBA. But great winners always seem to find themselves in a different situation than Carmelo is in.

[GoMuskies]

I fucking hate Carmelo. And I have no facts to back that up.

[LA Muskie]

Articles like THIS ONE (http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11904296/new-york-knicks-forward-carmelo-anthony-wants-bulletproof-reputation) don't help him. Dedicate yourself to winning on the court now. Become mogul later.

[sirthought]

Let's ban whomever turned this thread into a discussion on Anthony. We friggin' beat up on Long Beach State!

[xu82]

I see a little Carmelo in Blueitt's game. Kid can score.

So YOU started it!
I had to do some backtracking...

[SemajParlor]

Articles like THIS ONE (http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11904296/new-york-knicks-forward-carmelo-anthony-wants-bulletproof-reputation) don't help him. Dedicate yourself to winning on the court now. Become mogul later.

Articles! http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

[SemajParlor]

So YOU started it!
I had to do some backtracking...

Trevon "Little Melo" Blueitt is my new nickname for him

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

I fucking hate Carmelo. And I have no facts to back that up.

Fact: He went to Syracuse.

[paulxu]

Trevon "Little Melo" Blueitt is my new nickname for him

S'melo.

[LA Muskie]

Articles! http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/
Bill Simmons apparently never heard that brevity is the soul of wit. My God can he go on...and...on...and...on... I sure hope he gets paid by the word.

I lost track of his point, if ever he had one. But I will say this:

1. It's true: Carmelo is underappreciated. Is he the most underappreciated player in the NBA? I'm not sure. I don't pay enough attention. But I agree that, for a bona fide superstar, he doesn't get the props he probably deserves.

2. It's my opinion: That Carmelo is probably as much to blame for that as anyone else.

[Xavier]

I see a little Carmelo in Blueitt's game. Kid can score.

I don't see it at all. Do you watch Carmelo much?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bill Simmons apparently never heard that brevity is the soul of wit. My God can he go on...and...on...and...on... I sure hope he gets paid by the word.

I lost track of his point, if ever he had one. But I will say this:

1. It's true: Carmelo is underappreciated. Is he the most underappreciated player in the NBA? I'm not sure. I don't pay enough attention. But I agree that, for a bona fide superstar, he doesn't get the props he probably deserves.

2. It's my opinion: That Carmelo is probably as much to blame for that as anyone else.

Ha agreed. I'm a Knicks fan who is interested in an article in Carmelo and I was struggling a little bit to get through that article. Parts of it are really good but then other is just so much unnecessary extra words. I agree too that his point gets lost in it all.

[xubrew]

Long Beach is schooling KState right now. They're not bad and we beat them handily. I know people didn't likenour schedule, but there are good teams on it and we beat them handily. We have a good team.

[LA Muskie]

Articles like THIS ONE (http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11904296/new-york-knicks-forward-carmelo-anthony-wants-bulletproof-reputation) don't help him. Dedicate yourself to winning on the court now. Become mogul later.

ESPN and Carmelo aren't doing Carmelo any favors: Carmelo Anthony: Bulls were 'perfect' (http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/11973594/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-says-chicago-bulls-were-perfect-fit-free-agent). Here's the money quote:


"It came down to Chicago and New York. Chicago was the one that, from day one, was something that I was very impressed with. They was looking for a person like me to come in and just take them to the next level," Anthony said. "So it was perfect. It was a perfect setup, perfect fit for me in Chicago. But then also I had to think about just living in Chicago. Do I want to live in Chicago? Do I want to take everything that I created in New York and move all of that? It came down to that."

Translation: If I wanted to win, I'd have gone to Chicago. But I didn't want to make the sacrifice that would entail. So I made the easy (and, incidentally, more profitable) choice to stay in NY.

[PMI]

ESPN and Carmelo aren't doing Carmelo any favors: Carmelo Anthony: Bulls were 'perfect' (http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/11973594/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-says-chicago-bulls-were-perfect-fit-free-agent). Here's the money quote:



Translation: If I wanted to win, I'd have gone to Chicago. But I didn't want to make the sacrifice that would entail. So I made the easy (and, incidentally, more profitable) choice to stay in NY.

I've got to say, I don't think the Bulls would be much, if any better with Carmelo. I think the way he plays would kind of negate or neutralize some of what Thibs seeks to accomplish on defense, which is where the Bulls' bread and butter is. I think last year's postseason proved that Chicago can't just rely on its defense without Rose (who they can't really expect anything out of anymore.) When matched up against another good defensive team that has more of a well-rounded scoring punch, they were pretty much handled. So I can see where Melo would be a huge help on that end, but something tells me that that would not have ended with the Bulls being a top 2 team in the East (which personally I don't think they are anyway, but many do.) I do, however, find it apparent that we could find complaints with just about any player who makes any decision on where to sign. If Melo goes to Chicago, maybe people start talking about him the way they have the other guys who have teamed up with other stars to chase rings. People praise Lebron for returning "home" even though he is on a team that I'd argue has a lesser chance of winning than the Heat would right now with him (again, it comes down to defense for me.) Melo stays "home" (again, not really his home) and apparently it's because he doesn't want to win. But then we have people on this board who call Sean Miller a selfish asshole for making his family move to the west, when you could also argue that he was just trying to put himself in a better position to win more. I think it works both ways, and nobody can really win in the eyes of some. I can't really blame Melo for making the choice he did, because it's his life and his career, and frankly, I think he's wrong that he would've come into Chicago and taken them to the next level. I also don't trust that he's articulate enough to even express whatever it was he meant to say, for that's worth.

[LA Muskie]

I've got to say, I don't think the Bulls would be much, if any better with Carmelo. I think the way he plays would kind of negate or neutralize some of what Thibs seeks to accomplish on defense, which is where the Bulls' bread and butter is. I think last year's postseason proved that Chicago can't just rely on its defense without Rose (who they can't really expect anything out of anymore.) When matched up against another good defensive team that has more of a well-rounded scoring punch, they were pretty much handled. So I can see where Melo would be a huge help on that end, but something tells me that that would not have ended with the Bulls being a top 2 team in the East (which personally I don't think they are anyway, but many do.) I do, however, find it apparent that we could find complaints with just about any player who makes any decision on where to sign. If Melo goes to Chicago, maybe people start talking about him the way they have the other guys who have teamed up with other stars to chase rings. People praise Lebron for returning "home" even though he is on a team that I'd argue has a lesser chance of winning than the Heat would right now with him (again, it comes down to defense for me.) Melo stays "home" (again, not really his home) and apparently it's because he doesn't want to win. But then we have people on this board who call Sean Miller a selfish asshole for making his family move to the west, when you could also argue that he was just trying to put himself in a better position to win more. I think it works both ways, and nobody can really win in the eyes of some. I can't really blame Melo for making the choice he did, because it's his life and his career, and frankly, I think he's wrong that he would've come into Chicago and taken them to the next level. I also don't trust that he's articulate enough to even express whatever it was he meant to say, for that's worth.
I guess I can see all of that. It's not my viewpoint (I liked Lebron teaming up in Miami, and I don't begrudge Miller one bit), but I can see the argument that Carmelo was in a lose/lose situation either way. I also agree that Carmelo wasn't Chicago's (or, frankly, most teams') championship solution, although I do believe that Carmelo + Chicago would have been a much better team than Carmelo + NYK.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I guess I can see all of that. It's not my viewpoint (I liked Lebron teaming up in Miami, and I don't begrudge Miller one bit), but I can see the argument that Carmelo was in a lose/lose situation either way. I also agree that Carmelo wasn't Chicago's (or, frankly, most teams') championship solution, although I do believe that Carmelo + Chicago would have been a much better team than Carmelo + NYK.

Well that is clear. With the Knicks (and Phil Jackson) it was never about this year when pitching to Carmelo, they have a horrible roster. It was about clearing the cap space after this year and going after some big time free agents this summer. I wont hold my breath for that though as that has pretty much been the Knicks plan every few years since about 2004. That was the big plan in 2010 and it was a swing and a miss. (Although Amare had an MVP type season in 2010-2011)

[PMI]

I guess I can see all of that. It's not my viewpoint (I liked Lebron teaming up in Miami, and I don't begrudge Miller one bit), but I can see the argument that Carmelo was in a lose/lose situation either way. I also agree that Carmelo wasn't Chicago's (or, frankly, most teams') championship solution, although I do believe that Carmelo + Chicago would have been a much better team than Carmelo + NYK.

Yea, they would definitely be better than the Knicks are, no doubt. I just don't see Carmelo really thriving under Thibs unless one of them makes some serious alterations (which I think we all know Melo is probably a safe bet not to do.) Consequently, I think it would've caused a major image issue for the Bulls as a whole, and that's on top of the Rose saga that seems to be night to night. But I do think that a lot of people just kind of don't like Carmelo, and would've criticized him for whatever he chose. Same with Lebron I guess, but I haven't heard the criticism of the queen for going to a worse (consider it was pre-Love, to be fair) team than he was on rather than stay in Miami where they won the East every year. It was more a, "good for him for going home and making things right" for a lot of people. But I guess if Carmelo had some playoff success under his belt things might be different.

[X-man]

LBS nearly knocked off #18 SDSt. last night on their floor. It sure would have been nice to have swept them, but it isn't a disgrace to have split with them.

[X-band '01]

The split will look bad after Long Beach State piles up more losses during their brutal noncon schedule, but hopefully looks better once they get into Big West play.